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Merit Dahabiya 1 Nile Cruise 2026
Sail the legendary Nile between Luxor and Aswan with hand-picked ships, expert Egyptologist guides, and transparent pricing. Tell us your dates and we will tailor the perfect Merit Dahabiya 1 Nile Cruise package for you.
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Dahabiyas
5.0
(1 Reviews)
Tour Duration
3 Nights or 4 Nights or 5 Nights or 6 Nights
Sailing Schedule
Flexible departures from Luxor or Aswan
Tour Type
Small Group
Pick Up
(Hotel or Airport) from Luxor or Aswan
Overview
Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of water, golden light spilling over ancient temples, and nothing but open sky ahead. That's exactly what sailing on Merit Dahabiya 1 feels like a slow, soul-stirring journey along one of the world's greatest rivers, where every bend reveals a new piece of history.
Why Choose This Cruise
This isn't your average river cruise, and here's why it stands out:
- With only 10 fully furnished cabins, you get the personal attention a large cruise ship simply can't offer.
- Sail the Nile the authentic way, on a classic Egyptian sailing vessel that connects you directly to the river's history.
- Every temple visit comes with context, stories, and insight that transform sightseeing into genuine discovery.
- From 1-day balloon rides to 8-day full journeys, Merit Dahabiya 1 fits every schedule.
- Meals, transfers, entrance fees, and onboard amenities are taken care of so you can simply enjoy.
- No rushing between stops; you sail at the Nile's own pace, soaking in landscapes most tourists never see.
- Stops at Al Ramady Island, Gebel El Silsila, and El Sheikh Fadl Island places large cruise ships can't reach.
Merit Dahabiya 1 Nile Cruise Facilities
Step aboard and feel the difference immediately. Merit Dahabiya 1 is built for comfort without sacrificing character:
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas.
- Dining: Main restaurant serving international and Egyptian cuisine.
- Swimming Pool: Outdoor pool and sun deck with Nile views.
- Spa & Wellness: Relaxing spa treatments and wellness facilities.
- Restaurant & Bar: Restaurant & Bar onboard.
- Free WiFi: Free WiFi onboard.
- Sun Deck: Sun Deck onboard.
Merit Dahabiya 1 Nile Cruise Itinerary
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor, Egypt
Want to start your Nile journey with something truly unforgettable? A sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor puts the entire ancient city at your feet.
- Early hotel pickup and transfer to the West Bank launch site.
- Approximately a 45-minute flight at dawn over Luxor's iconic monuments.
- Panoramic views of the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Nile.
- Flights depart daily; booking is strongly recommended.
- Return transfer to your hotel after landing.
- Note: Extra charges apply for pickups from Luxor Airport or the West Bank.
4 Days – 3 Nights Merit Dahabiya Itinerary
- Embarkation in Aswan; breakfast & lunch on board.
- Visit Philae Temple & the High Dam.
- Free time at Aswan market; overnight in Aswan.
- Breakfast on board
- Optional early morning visit to Abu Simbel Temple.
- Lunch on board; sail to Kom Ombo Temple.
- Sail to El Ramady Island; dinner on board.
- Overnight near El Ramady Island.
- Early morning sail toward Esna; breakfast on board.
- Lunch while sailing; cross Esna Lock.
- Sail to Luxor; visit East Bank Temples (Luxor & Karnak) by bus from Esna.
- Dinner on board; overnight on Luxor West Bank.
- Breakfast on board.
- Visit the West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon.
- Disembarkation in Luxor.
5 Days / 4 Nights Merit Dahabiya Itinerary
- Embarkation & lunch on board.
- Visit Luxor & Karnak Temples.
- Dinner & overnight on the West Bank.
- Breakfast on board
- Visit Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon.
- Lunch on board; sail to Esna with tea on the Sun Deck.
- Dinner during sailing; overnight beside an island.
- Breakfast while crossing Esna Lock.
- Sail to Edfu; lunch during sailing.
- Visit Temple of Edfu; sail to Al Ramady Island.
- Dinner & overnight beside Al Ramady Island.
- Early morning sail to Gebel El Silsila; breakfast on board.
- Visit Kom Ombo Temple.
- Lunch during sailing to El Sheikh Fadl Island.
- Tea time & dinner on El Sheikh Fadl Island; sail to Aswan overnight.
- Arrive in Aswan at 6:00 AM; breakfast on board.
- Visit Philae Temple & the High Dam.
- Disembarkation in Aswan.
6 Days / 5 Nights Merit Dahabiya Itinerary
- Embarkation & lunch on board.
- Visit Luxor & Karnak Temples.
- Dinner & overnight on the West Bank.
- Breakfast on board
- Visit Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon.
- Lunch on board; sail to Esna with tea on the Sun Deck.
- Dinner during sailing; overnight beside an island.
- Breakfast while crossing Esna Lock.
- Sail to Edfu; lunch during sailing.
- Visit the Temple of Edfu; sail to Al Ramady Island.
- Dinner & overnight beside Al Ramady Island.
- Early morning sail to Gebel El Silsila; breakfast on board.
- Visit Kom Ombo Temple.
- Lunch during sailing to El Sheikh Fadl Island.
- Tea time & dinner on El Sheikh Fadl Island; sail to Aswan overnight.
- Arrive in Aswan at 6:00 AM; breakfast on board.
- Visit Philae Temple & the High Dam.
- Lunch on board; free time at Aswan market.
- Overnight in Aswan.
- Breakfast on board.
- Optional early morning visit to Abu Simbel Temple.
- Disembarkation in Aswan.
7 Days / 6 Nights Merit Dahabiya Itinerary
- Embarkation in Luxor & lunch on board.
- Afternoon visit to Luxor Temple & Karnak Temple.
- Dinner and overnight moored on the West Bank.
- Breakfast on board.
- Visit the West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon.
- Lunch on board; sail to Esna with tea time on the Sun Deck.
- Dinner during sailing; overnight beside an island.
- Breakfast while crossing Esna Lock.
- Sail to Edfu with lunch during sailing.
- Visit the Temple of Edfu.
- Sail to Al Ramady Island; dinner on board & overnight beside Al Ramady Island.
- Early morning sail to Gebel El Silsila; breakfast on board.
- Visit Kom Ombo Temple.
- Sail to El Sheikh Fadl Island; lunch during sailing.
- Tea time & dinner on El Sheikh Fadl Island; sail to Aswan overnight.
- Arrive in Aswan at 6:00 AM; breakfast on board.
- Visit Philae Temple & the High Dam.
- Lunch on board; free time at Aswan market.
- Overnight in Aswan.
- Breakfast on board.
- Optional early morning visit to Abu Simbel Temple.
- Lunch on board; sail to El Ramady Island.
- Early morning sail toward Esna; breakfast on board.
- Lunch while crossing Esna Lock; sail to Luxor.
- Dinner & overnight on Luxor West Bank.
Included
- All airport transfers to or from Merit Dahabiya 1.
- Full accommodation on board.
- All sightseeing tours as per the itinerary.
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary.
- Expert Egyptologist tour guide throughout.
- All meals on board (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
- Mineral water & soft drinks on board.
Excluded
- Tipping (gratuities for crew and guides).
- Optional tours (e.g., Abu Simbel visit)
- Personal expenses & shopping.
Travel Policy Guide
Prices are per person based on double occupancy unless stated otherwise. Holiday surcharges may apply during Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
A 30% deposit confirms your booking. The remaining balance is due 15 days before arrival.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. Later cancellations are subject to the package terms shared at booking.
Children under 12 may share a cabin with parents at reduced rates. Contact us for family cabin availability.
Tipping for guides, crew, and drivers is customary in Egypt and is not included in the cruise price.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Dahabiya is a traditional Egyptian wooden sailing vessel. Unlike large cruise ships, it carries fewer guests, moves at a slower pace, and reaches quieter spots along the Nile creating a far more personal and authentic experience.
It sails between Luxor and Aswan in both directions, depending on the itinerary you choose (4, 5, 6, or 7 days).
Abu Simbel is available as an optional add-on visit on certain itineraries. It is not included in the standard price.
There are 10 standard cabins (18 sq. meters each) 5 with king beds and 5 with twin beds, all with private ensuite bathrooms and panoramic Nile views.
It is suitable for most healthy adults. Guests with serious health conditions should consult their doctor beforehand. Advance booking is essential as spots fill quickly.
The 7-night itinerary departs on Saturdays from Luxor. The 4-night (Aswan to Luxor) departs on Wednesdays. Check availability directly with the Merit Dahabiyas team.
You can book directly through the official website or via email.
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Tell us your travel details and we will confirm availability.
Start from
$850
/ person
Merit Dahabiya 1 Nile Cruise Reviews
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