Dunes Egypt – Discover Egypt’s wonders with expertly crafted journeys and unforgettable experiences!
Price varies by group size
$1715.00
Duration
4 Days, 5 Days, 6 Days or 8 Days
Run
Every Saturday from Luxor & Every Wednesday from Aswan
Type
Small Group
Overview
Merit 1 Dahabiya – A Boutique Luxury Journey on the Nile
Travelers seeking intimacy, elegance, and authenticity will find the Merit 1 Dahabiya the perfect way to explore Egypt’s timeless Nile River. Unlike the larger cruise ships, this beautifully crafted Dahabiya on the Nile offers a boutique sailing experience designed for small groups who value exclusivity and comfort. With flexible itineraries of 3, 4, 5, and 7 nights, the Merit 1 Dahabiya captures the essence of slow travel — allowing guests to enjoy the Nile at their own pace while uncovering the treasures of Upper Egypt.
A Traditional Yet Modern Dahabiya Experience
The Merit 1 Dahabiya combines the charm of traditional sailing boats with the luxury of modern amenities. Designed with only a handful of cabins, it ensures a personalized experience where every guest receives attentive service. The elegant woodwork, spacious decks, and panoramic windows create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether lounging on the sundeck, enjoying meals prepared by an onboard chef, or relaxing in your cabin, you will feel the comfort of a private floating boutique hotel.
Unlike larger Nile cruises, this Dahabiya Nile Cruise can dock at smaller villages and less-visited temples along the river. This unique advantage allows travelers to discover hidden gems and interact with local communities, adding depth to the journey.
Multiple Itineraries for Every Traveler
The Merit 1 Dahabiya offers several sailing options, each carefully designed to highlight Egypt’s most famous ancient sites:
- 3 Nights Aswan to Luxor: A short yet comprehensive journey featuring Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and the magnificent temples of Luxor.
- 4 & 5 Nights Luxor to Aswan: Ideal for travelers who want a longer and more relaxed exploration of the Nile’s wonders, including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak, and visits to smaller islands along the way.
- 7 Nights Luxor to Luxor: The ultimate Nile River Dahabiya itinerary for those who want to immerse themselves fully in Egyptian history, culture, and life on the river, combining all major landmarks with extra leisure time.
Highlights Along the Nile
Every itinerary on the Merit 1 Dahabiya includes guided tours to Egypt’s most iconic sites. Guests will marvel at Luxor’s monumental temples, discover hidden tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and sail past timeless villages where daily life unfolds much as it has for centuries. Stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples provide unforgettable cultural encounters, while Aswan charms visitors with its serene beauty and the enchanting Temple of Philae.
Why Choose Merit 1 Dahabiya?
- Exclusivity: Small-group atmosphere with only a limited number of guests onboard.
- Authenticity: Sail the Nile as travelers did centuries ago, with wind and tradition guiding your journey.
- Flexibility: Multiple itineraries allow you to choose the length and pace of your trip.
- Luxury Comfort: Modern facilities, attentive service, and gourmet meals onboard.
The Perfect Nile Escape
For travelers who seek more than just sightseeing, the Merit 1 Dahabiya delivers an immersive cultural experience. The slower pace of the voyage ensures time to appreciate the Nile’s beauty — from breathtaking sunsets to the call of distant birds at dawn. Guests leave not just with photographs but with lasting memories of a journey steeped in history, tranquility, and genuine Egyptian hospitality.
Whether you select a short escape or a week-long adventure, the Merit 1 Dahabiya remains one of the most enchanting ways to experience a Dahabiya on the Nile. With its blend of tradition, luxury, and exclusivity, it is a perfect choice for discerning travelers looking for an unforgettable sailing experience in Egypt.
Cruise Features
- 10 Standard Cabins (16 sqm each)
- Bed Configuration: 4 double-bed cabins & 6 twin-bed cabins
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Mini bar
- Internal phone
- Safe deposit box
- Fire safety measures, including a sprinkler system and anti-fire treatment
- Panoramic windows offering stunning views of the Nile
- Private bathroom with shower cabin (hot & cold water)
- Hairdryer
- 24-hour front office service
- Indoor & sundeck restaurants
- Bar
- Reading lounge
- Open-air Jacuzzi
- Sundeck with 10 sunbeds
- First aid kit and medical assistance available upon request
- 24-hour doctor on call
- Free WiFi
Included
- Meet and Assist service by our Representatives upon arrival and departure in Luxor and Aswan
- All transfers by modern private air-conditioned vehicles
- Accommodation on board the Nile Cruise on Full Board Basis
- All Sightseeing tours as per the itinerary with Local Shared Boat Guide
- English Speaking Shared Tour Guide during the Nile Cruise Excursions
- Entrance fees to all sites as mentioned in the itinerary
- Service Charges and Taxes
Excluded
- Flight Tickets
- Any Optional Tours
- Personal Extras
- Gratuities & Tipping
Itinerary
4 Days (3 Nights) - Aswan/Luxor Every Wednesday
- Upon arrival in Aswan meet your local guide and start a morning tour to Philae Temple & High Dam
- Transfer to your Nile Cruise
- Embarkation before lunch
- Lunch on board
- Possibility of visiting the Nubian Village (Optional Visit)
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on board in Aswan
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Possibility of Visiting Abu Simbel Temple early morning (Optional Visit)
- Lunch on board
- Sail to Kom Ombo
- Visit Kom Ombo Temple After Sun Set
- Dinner while sailing
- Continue sailing until Esna
- Overnight on board in Esna
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Early morning visit to Esna Temple.
- Breakfast while Crossing Esna lock
- Lunch while sailing to Luxor
- Arrive to Luxor at 1:30 – 2:30 PM
- Visit the East Bank (Luxor & Karnak Temples)
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on board in Luxor West Bank
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Check-out
- Visit the West Bank (Valley of the Kings, the temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon)
- Transfer to Aswan Domestic Airport or Train Station
- Meals: Breakfast
5 Days (4 Nights) - Luxor/Aswan Every Saturday
- Our Representative will meet you to transfer you in modern air-conditioned vehicle to your Nile Cruise
- Embarkation before lunch
- Lunch on board
- Visit Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on board in Luxor
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Visit Valley of The Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon
- Lunch on board
- Sail to Esna
- Tea Time on the Sun Deck
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on board beside an Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast while crossing Esna Lock
- Sail to Edfu and Lunch during sailing
- Visit Horus Temple in Edfu
- Sail to Al Ramady Island
- Dinner on board & and Exclusive Egyptian Rababa show
- Overnight on board beside Al Ramady Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Early visit to Gebel El Silsila , this temple is inside the mountains and that gives us a privilege because Big Ships doesn’t get this experience only the Dahabiyas get to visit this temple
- Breakfast while sailing to Kom Ombo
- Visit Kom Ombo Temple
- Lunch while crossing Shekh Fadl Island
- Arrive to Hor Diab Island and have the experience of swimming in the purest and cleanest water of the Nile River
- Dinner on board while sailing to Aswan
- Overnight on board in Aswan
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Check-out
- Visit Philae Temple and The High Dam
- Transfer to Aswan Domestic Airport or Train Station
- Meals: Breakfast
6 Days (5 Nights) - Luxor/Aswan Every Saturday
- Our Representative will meet you to transfer you in modern air-conditioned vehicle to your Nile Cruise
- Embarkation before lunch
- Lunch on board
- Visit Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on board in Luxor
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Visit Valley of The Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon
- Lunch on board
- Sail to Esna
- Tea Time on the Sun Deck
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on board beside an Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast while crossing Esna Lock
- Sail to Edfu and Lunch during sailing
- Visit Horus Temple in Edfu
- Tea Time while enjoying the Sun Set
- Sail to Al Ramady Island
- Dinner on board & and Exclusive Egyptian Rababa show
- Overnight on board beside Al Ramady Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Early visit to Gebel El Silsila , this temple is inside the mountains and that gives us a privilege because Big Ships doesn’t get this experience only the Dahabiyas get to visit this temple
- Breakfast while sailing to Kom Ombo
- Visit Kom Ombo Temple
- Lunch while crossing Shekh Fadl Island
- Arrive to Hor Diab Island and have the experience of swimming in the purest and cleanest water of the Nile River
- Dinner on board while sailing to Aswan
- Overnight on board in Aswan
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Visit Philae Temple and The High Dam
- Lunch on board
- Possibility of Visiting the Nubian Village. ( Optional )
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on board in Aswan
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Check-out
- Possibility of Visit Abu Simbel Temple early morning (Optional Visit)
- Transfer to Aswan Domestic Airport or Train Station
- Meals: Breakfast
8 Days (7 Nights) - Luxor/Luxor Every Saturday
- Our Representative will meet you to transfer you in modern air-conditioned vehicle to your Nile Cruise
- Embarkation before lunch
- Lunch on board
- Visit Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on board in Luxor
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Visit Valley of The Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon
- Lunch on board
- Sail to Esna
- Tea Time on the Sun Deck
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on board beside an Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast while crossing Esna Lock
- Sail to Edfu and Lunch during sailing
- Visit Horus Temple in Edfu
- Tea Time while enjoying the Sun Set
- Sail to Al Ramady Island
- Dinner on board & and Exclusive Egyptian Rababa show
- Overnight on board beside Al Ramady Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Early visit to Gebel El Silsila , this temple is inside the mountains and that gives us a privilege because Big Ships doesn’t get this experience only the Dahabiyas get to visit this temple
- Breakfast while sailing to Kom Ombo
- Visit Kom Ombo Temple
- Lunch while crossing Shekh Fadl Island
- Arrive to Hor Diab Island and have the experience of swimming in the purest and cleanest water of the Nile River
- Dinner on board while sailing to Aswan
- Overnight on board in Aswan
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Visit Philae Temple and The High Dam
- Lunch on board
- Possibility of Visiting the Nubian Village. ( Optional )
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on board in Aswan
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Possibility of Visit Abu Simbel Temple early morning (Optional Visit)
- Lunch while sailing to Kom Ombo
- Dinner while crossing Gebel El Silsila at night
- Overnight in Esna
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Early Visit To Esna Temple
- Breakfast while crossing Esna lock
- Lunch while sailing to Luxor
- Possibility To Visit the Amazing Sound & Light show. (Optional)
- Dinner on board
- Overnight in Luxor
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Breakfast on board
- Check-out
- Our Representative will meet you at the cruise lobby and escort you to Luxor Domestic Airport or Train Station
Prices
From May 2025 till September 2025
| Single Cabin | Rates Upon Request |
| Double Cabin | Rates Upon Request |
From October 2025 till April 2026
| Single Cabin | $ 2705 Per Person |
| Double Cabin | $ 1715 Per Person |
From May 2025 till September 2025
| Single Cabin | Rates Upon Request |
| Double Cabin | Rates Upon Request |
From October 2025 till April 2026
| Single Cabin | $ 3570 Per Person |
| Double Cabin | $ 2250 Per Person |
From May 2025 till September 2025
| Single Cabin | Rates Upon Request |
| Double Cabin | Rates Upon Request |
From October 2025 till April 2026
| Single Cabin | $ 4070 Per Person |
| Double Cabin | $ 2570 Per Person |
From May 2025 till September 2025
| Single Cabin | Rates Upon Request |
| Double Cabin | Rates Upon Request |
From October 2025 till April 2026
| Single Cabin | $ 4640 Per Person |
| Double Cabin | $ 2960 Per Person |
- Please contact us to give you special rate in case your group is more than 5 persons.
- These Rates are based on the minimum of Two Travelers and are not valid for Solo Travelers
Children Policy
- Up to 2 years: FREE
- Age from 2 and below 6 years: 25% of adult price
- Age from 6 up to 11 years: 50% of adult price
- Ages 12 and Up: adult price.
Notes :
- Children policy is applied to children who share rooms with their parents ( Maximum 1 Child sharing parent's room )
- If your tour includes airfare, additional charges for your children may apply.
Payment Policy
- Reservations should be made as early as possible to book your selected trip, confirmation is subject to availability. Once we confirm the availability for your selected trip, a deposit of 25 % should be received by Credit Card or Wire Transfer.
- The remaining amount (75% of the total amount due) should be paid 45 days prior to the trip date otherwise space will be released.
- For trips booked less than 45 days prior to the trip date, full payment should be received to secure the space.
During the Christmas, New Year & Easter holidays:
- A deposit of 50 % should be received by Credit Card or Wire Transfer.
- The remaining amount (50% of the total amount due) should be paid 60 days prior to the trip date otherwise space will be released.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation must be notified in written format (by email)
- In case of cancellation within 45 days prior to tour date, the guest will be charged 25%.
- In case of cancellation within 44 days prior to tour date, the guest will be charged 100%.
During the Christmas, New Year & Easter Holidays:
- In case of cancellation within 60 days prior to tour date, the guest will be charged 50%.
- In case of cancellation within 14 days prior to tour date the guest will be charged 100%.
Book This Tour
$645.00
Explore
Book This Tour
Book This Tour
Last Minute Deals
