Nile Dahabiya · Esna & Aswan
Meroe Dahabiya Nile Cruise
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- Licence No. 121
Tour Overview
The Meroe Dahabiya Nile cruise is a five-night sailing from Esna to Aswan that departs every Monday, with fares of $3,500 per person in a double cabin and $6,500 in a single cabin. Meroe was rebuilt entirely in 2017 and is best known for the size of its cabins, which makes it a strong choice for travelers who find standard river-ship cabins cramped.
Why Space Decides It on Meroe
Much of a dahabiya day is spent on board, drifting under sail between short landings. On Meroe that time is shared between an exceptionally large cabin, an elegant salon and a generous deck planned so you can find a private corner or sit with the other guests. A crew of more than 15 looks after a small number of passengers, and the boat has a loyal following of returning guests. If comfort is the main thing separating the dahabiyas on your shortlist, start with this one.
Meroe at a Glance
| Detail | Meroe |
|---|---|
| Route | Esna to Aswan |
| Length | 6 days / 5 nights |
| Departures | Every Monday from Esna |
| Board | Full board on the dahabiya |
| Double cabin | $3,500 per person |
| Single cabin | $6,500 per person |
| Guiding | English-speaking guide, private sightseeing |
| Entrance fees | Included for sites on the itinerary |
The River Between Esna and Aswan
Large cruise ships run Luxor to Aswan on a tight timetable. A dahabiya starts further south at Esna and covers a shorter stretch over more days, so nothing feels rushed. This part of the Nile passes the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo and ends in Aswan, and your landing points are confirmed with your sailing. Our Luxor to Aswan cruise guide explains how this compares with a standard ship.
What the Fare Covers
The fare includes full-board accommodation, an airport meet-and-greet, private air-conditioned transfers, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the sites on the itinerary, and service charges and taxes. International flights, the Egypt visa, tips and optional tours are extra. The single-cabin fare is close to double the shared rate, so two people sharing get far better value.
Adding Luxor, Cairo or Abu Simbel
Because Meroe sets off from Esna, a night or two in Luxor first fits neatly, with Karnak and the Valley of the Kings close by. From Aswan you can continue to Abu Simbel or fly north to Cairo for the pyramids. We can build these around a Monday start as a tailor-made itinerary, or you can compare Meroe with the other boats in our dahabiya collection and the wider Nile cruise range.
Tour Highlights
English-Speaking tour guide/leader
All transfers by air-conditioning vehicle
Meet at the airport upon arrival
6/5 Nights Nile cruise
Meals mentioned in the itinerary
Tour Packages
06 Days / 05 Night From Esna
Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be met and assisted by your tour manager before continuing with your private Egyptologist to the charming riverside town of Esna.
Explore the Temple of Khnum, uniquely situated below modern street level and dedicated to the ram-headed creator god. Stroll through Esna’s lively streets, known for their traditional textiles and local craftsmanship, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life along the Nile.
Later, continue to your Nile boat for embarkation.
Accommodation: Overnight onboard
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Nile boat sails gently toward El Kab, once the capital of Upper Egypt. On arrival, enjoy a guided visit to this lesser-explored site, home to the ancient Temple of Nekhbet and a series of beautifully decorated tombs set into the surrounding cliffs. A walk through a traditional riverside village offers a glimpse into local life along the Nile.
Later, continue sailing to Edfu, where you will visit the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus, one of the finest surviving temples of the Greco-Roman period. Travel by horse-drawn carriage through the lively town to reach the temple, adding a charming local touch to the experience.
Return to your boat and continue sailing along the Nile, arriving at a tranquil island where the evening is spent at leisure.
Accommodation: Overnight onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Today is devoted to the timeless rhythm of the Nile. After breakfast, continue sailing through serene landscapes of palm groves and desert hills, with time to relax on deck and take in the ever-changing scenery.
In the afternoon, pause at a quiet island for a gentle walk or the opportunity to swim in the Nile. As the light softens, there may be the chance to explore a desert valley scattered with ancient inscriptions and early hieroglyphs—marking one of the oldest routes once used to cross toward Libya.
By evening, the boat moors beside the softly illuminated Temple of Gebel Silsileh, creating a striking and atmospheric setting.
Accommodation: Overnight onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
At this point, the Nile narrows dramatically, flowing between two striking mountain ranges, creating one of the river’s most atmospheric settings. This is a quiet and rarely visited stretch, accessible only to smaller boats, offering a sense of exclusivity and discovery.
Visit the intimate Temple of Horemheb and explore the ancient sandstone quarries, where stone was once cut for some of Egypt’s most iconic monuments. Continue with a gentle walk through the surrounding landscape before pausing at a local riverside café to enjoy tea and shisha.
Later, sail onward to a secluded riverbank, where you will stop for lunch on board and the opportunity to swim in the Nile.
Accommodation: Overnight onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
After a peaceful night on the Nile, continue sailing toward Kom Ombo, beautifully set on a curve of the river.
Visit the distinctive Temple of Kom Ombo, dating to the Ptolemaic period and uniquely dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Its elevated position offers sweeping views over the Nile, adding to the sense of place.
Continue to the nearby Crocodile Museum, home to a fascinating collection of mummified crocodiles, reflecting the significance of Sobek and the role of these creatures in ancient Egyptian belief.
Return to your boat and continue your journey along the Nile.
Accommodation: Overnight onboard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
After breakfast, disembark from your Dahabiya Nile boat. You will then be transferred to Aswan Airport or the train station for your onward journey
Meals: Breakfast
Hint: Your journey should be as unique as you are. Share your ideas, and we'll craft a bespoke itinerary around your preferences.
Inclusions
- Meet and greet service by our representatives upon your airport arrival
- All transfers via private air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation on the Nile Dahabiya ship full board
- Private sightseeing tours in Esna & Aswan (listed on itinerary)
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned on the itinerary
- All meals mentioned on the itinerary
- All service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Entry visa to Egypt
- Any optional tours
- Any extras not mentioned in the program
- Tipping.
Tour Prices
06 Nights / 05 Days from Esna
Double Cabin - Per Person
$3500
Single Cabin - Per Person
$6500
Important Notes
👨👩👧 Delta Tours Child Policy:
- 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge (except for flight tickets where airline rules apply).
- 2 – 5.99 years: Pay 25% of adult price (if there is a flight tickets).
- 6 – 11.99 years: Pay 50% of adult price (sharing parents’ room/cabin).
- 12 years and above: Considered an adult and pay full price.
Notes:
- Child discounts apply when sharing a room/cabin with two full-paying adults.
- If a child requires a separate room, the full adult rate applies.
- Some tours, cruises, or hotels may have different rules; in that case, the stricter policy applies.
Ready to Discover Egypt Your Way?
Let our local travel specialists create a private journey shaped around your interests, pace, and preferred travel style.
Meroe Dahabiya: Questions Before You Book
The ship’s description highlights exceptionally large cabins, and space is the main reason guests choose Meroe. Exact cabin measurements are not published, so ask us if a specific size matters to you.
Meroe departs every Monday from Esna and finishes in Aswan after five nights on board.
The published fare is $3,500 per person in a double cabin and $6,500 per person in a single cabin for the 6-day, 5-night sailing.
Yes. The inclusions list entrance fees to all sites on the itinerary, together with an English-speaking guide and private sightseeing in Esna and Aswan.
Meroe was rebuilt entirely in 2017, so its cabins, salon and deck date from that rebuild.
Esna lies south of Luxor, so most guests arrive through Luxor. An airport meet-and-greet and private air-conditioned transfers are included; tell us your arrival airport when you book.
Our Clients Feedback
Offers valuable insights straight from the source, capturing the voices and experiences of those who matter most – our cherished clients
DebbieMel
“Our Egypt trip was perfectly organized with excellent guides, smooth transfers, and constant support from arrival until departure.”
Luciano M
“Professional service, knowledgeable guides, and excellent communication made our experience smooth, enjoyable, and completely stress-free throughout."”
Deepam L
“The customized itinerary matched exactly what we wanted, with attentive staff and outstanding service during every part of our trip.”
Isadora R
“Every detail was handled professionally, from airport assistance to transportation, making us feel comfortable and cared for every day.”
Maria S.
“Excellent organization, punctual drivers, and friendly staff created an unforgettable experience across Cairo, Luxor, and the Nile Valley”
Peter D.
“Knowledgeable Egyptologists and carefully planned sightseeing tours made every destination fascinating, educational, and easy to explore comfortably”
Laura C
“Private transportation, responsive support, and flexible arrangements helped create a relaxing journey that exceeded all our expectations completely.”
Read Before You Go
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