- 11 days10 nights
- Privateyour own Egyptologist
- 5-night sailingStoria Dahabeya
- From $7,999per person
Sail the Nile on the Storia Dahabeya (formerly Aqua)
A dahabeya is the most graceful way to travel the Nile: a traditional sailing boat with just a handful of cabins, moving slowly with the wind and mooring at quiet islands and riverbanks that large cruise ships never reach. The Storia Dahabeya, formerly known as Aqua, brings that experience up to the highest level of comfort, with elegant suites, fine dining and an attentive crew.
This 11-day journey combines five nights on board with Egypt’s most celebrated hotels: the Four Seasons Nile Plaza in Cairo, the historic Winter Palace in Luxor and the legendary Old Cataract in Aswan. A private Egyptologist guides you throughout, from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Abu Simbel.
Journey highlights
- Five nights sailing from Luxor to Aswan on the Storia Dahabeya
- The Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, with lunch at the Mena House facing the Pyramids
- Saqqara and Dahshur: the Step Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid
- A night at the Winter Palace and lunch at the renowned 1886 Restaurant in Luxor
- Quiet river stops at Esna, Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila and Kom Ombo
- Abu Simbel by air and a final night at the Old Cataract in Aswan
Your journey at a glance
- Day 1 Cairo · Arrive, welcome dinner at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza
- Day 2 Giza · The Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum
- Day 3 Cairo · Saqqara, Dahshur and historic Cairo
- Day 4 Luxor · Fly south, Karnak and Luxor Temple, the Winter Palace
- Day 5 Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings, board the Storia
- Day 6 Esna · Sailing day on the Nile
- Day 7 Edfu and Gebel el-Silsila · Temples and ancient quarries
- Day 8 Kom Ombo · Sail on to Aswan
- Day 9 Aswan · High Dam and Philae Temple
- Day 10 Abu Simbel · Fly to the temples, then the Old Cataract
- Day 11 Aswan · Fly to Cairo for your journey home
Where you stay
Four Seasons Nile Plaza
Cairo · 3 nights · Nile-view room
Cairo’s finest address on the Garden City Corniche, with sweeping river views, a celebrated spa and excellent restaurants.
Winter Palace
Luxor · 1 night
Luxor’s grand Victorian palace hotel on the Corniche, a short walk from Luxor Temple, with gardens running down to the Nile.
Storia Dahabeya
Nile sailing · 5 nights · Luxor to Aswan
A luxury sailing dahabeya with just a few elegant suites, a sun deck for watching the river glide by, and refined dining on board.
Sofitel Old Cataract
Aswan · 1 night · Nile view
The legendary 19th-century palace above the Nile’s first cataract, where Agatha Christie once stayed.
What’s included
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing
- VIP meet-and-assist on arrival in Cairo
- Private air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and touring
- All hotel nights and the 5-night Storia Dahabeya sailing
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, and lunches at the Mena House, near Saqqara and at the 1886 Restaurant in Luxor
- Full board on the dahabeya
- Domestic flight Cairo–Luxor
- Entrance fees for the sites in the itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Egypt entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, crew and hotel staff
- Drinks, laundry, spa treatments and personal expenses
- Optional tours not listed in the itinerary
Summer offer: from mid-May to mid-September this journey is $3,990 per person. Ask us for dates.
Make this journey yours
Reserve the whole dahabeya for your family or friends (subject to availability), add a few days on the Red Sea, or continue to Jordan and Petra. Our team in Egypt will shape every detail around you.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dahabeya?
A traditional Nile sailing boat with just a handful of cabins. On a private charter the whole boat, crew and guide are yours alone.
Is the Storia Dahabeya the same boat as Aqua?
Yes. The Aqua Dahabeya has been renamed the Storia Dahabeya.
Which route does it sail?
Between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at temples and riverside villages that large cruise ships cannot reach.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Dates, hotels, cruise and length of stay can all be tailored. Tell us what matters most to you and we will adjust the plan.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
October to April is the most comfortable season, with warm days and cool evenings. Summer is very hot in Luxor and Aswan, so sightseeing is planned for early mornings and evenings.
How do I book and pay?
A deposit secures your booking and the balance is due before arrival. See our Payment & Cancellation Policy for full details, or contact us to reserve your dates.
