Merit Star Dahabiya
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary Nile journey aboard the Merit Star Dahabiya, offered by Around Egypt Tours. Known as the "white queen" of the Nile, this elegant vessel combines exclusive routes with supreme comfort. Discover hidden gems like Al-Ramadi Island with its captivating Rababa shows and serene overnights, or swim in the pristine waters of Hor Diab Island.
The Merit Star Dahabiya features deluxe cabins, a spacious sundeck with a jacuzzi, a cozy lounge, and exquisite dining experiences. Enjoy globally inspired cuisine, authentic Egyptian dishes, and live cooking sessions. With a tugboat ensuring a silent and tranquil voyage, this cruise offers unparalleled relaxation and authentic cultural encounters. Book your Merit Star Dahabiya journey with Around Egypt Tours for an unforgettable Nile adventure.
| Schedule: Every Saturday From Luxor & Wednesday From Aswan |
Cruise
Merit Star Dahabiya Facilities
Accommodation
- Eight fully furnished deluxe cabins with:
- Large panoramic, soundproof windows
- Individual controlled air-conditioning
- LCD TV with individual receiver
- Electronic personal large safe
- Telephone with voicemail service
- Coffee and tea tray service
- Hairdryer and bathrobe
- Private bathroom with walk-in shower
- Cabin size: 17.75 m² (including a 3.75 m² bathroom)
- Two cabins with large beds and six twin-bedded cabins
Dining and Leisure
- Dining facilities, bars, and a reading lounge
- Spacious sundeck with an open-air Jacuzzi
- Music system with daily programs
- Boutique and gift shop
Additional Services
- Same-day laundry service with express pressing
- Doctor available 24 hours on call
- Internet access (chargeable)
- Marine Satellite (Nile Sat Channels)
Safety and Emergency Features
- Sprinkling system and anti-fire treatment
- Full fire safety measures
- Emergency handling and fire-trained staff
Other Facilities
- WiFi
- Pool
- Air conditioning
- Private bath with shower
- TV
- Mini bar
- Gift shop
Included
- Meet and assist by our representatives at the airport or railway station
- Accommodation on board Merit Star Dahabiya on full board
- English / Portuguese / German / Spanish speaking tour guide
- All sightseeing tours are private guided tours
- Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites in the itinerary
- Bottled water during the trips
- All transfers by a private air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
- All service charges and taxes
Excluded
- Any optional tours
- Personal Spending
- Tipping
Itinerary:
4 Days - Aswan / Luxor Every Wednesday
Day 1 (Wednesday)- Arrival in Aswan
Travelers going on the journey of a dahabiya Nile cruise would begin the day by coming together at 8:00 AM to be guided to two wonderful sites in Aswan-the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and then at last the grandiose High Dam. After soaking in all of this, return back to the key luxury small boat Nile cruise for a fabulous onboard lunch afterwards.
In the afternoon, you have the option to explore the colorful and culturally rich Nubian Village, where tradition and hospitality come to life. As evening falls, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Nile while the boat is docked in Aswan. This first day aboard your Luxury dahabiya Nile cruise sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable journey through Egypt’s timeless beauty.
Meals Included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Day 2 (Thursday)- Tour To Abu Simbel Temple& Kom Ombo Temple
Go on an optional early-morning tour to the breathtaking Abu Simbel Temple, one of Egypt’s most iconic structures and a landmark for its colossal statues of Ramses II.
After returning, enjoy a delightful breakfast on board as your Luxury dahabiya Nile cruise sets sail toward Kom Ombo. Relax on the sundeck and take in the soothing views of the Nile while lunch is served, blending scenic beauty with gourmet indulgence.
Upon arrival in Kom Ombo, explore the Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. The temple’s symmetrical design and stunning riverside location make it a favorite stop for Egypt tours.
While the sun sets, dine on board as you slowly head towards Esna. An enjoyable evening is fulfilled on your Dahabiya Nile cruise-in a gentle glide under the stars.
Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Day 3 (Friday)-Sail To Luxor& Luxor Temples
Wake up and start your morning with a visit to Esna Temple, a hidden gem that is very often skipped around most Egypt. Marvel at the remarkably preserved reliefs and inscriptions before heading back to the dahabiya for a freshly prepared breakfast.
crossing of the Esna Lock is one of the most thrilling moments of any luxury small boat Nile cruise. While floating by this engineering miracle, Relax on the sundeck and enjoy a delicious lunch as you cruise onward to Luxor.
In the afternoon, explore the wonders of Luxor’s East Bank. Visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious structure ever built, followed by the Luxor Temple, beautifully lit by the golden rays of sunset. These landmarks offer an unforgettable glimpse into the majesty of Ancient Thebes.
Return to the boat for an elegant dinner on board and spend the night moored along Luxor’s tranquil West Bank—a perfect blend of history, luxury, and relaxation on your dahabiya Nile cruise.
Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Day 4 (Saturday)- Tour To West Bank& Departure
On your last day of the Dahabiya Nile cruise you can start with a breakfast meal that offers stunning Nile Valley views from the ship. You should now go on Luxor's West Bank district which contains several renowned archaeological masterpieces that draw visitors from all over the world.
The first stop must be the final Pharaoh resting place in the Valley of Kings to see the tomb of Tutankhamun. You should walk through the Temple of Hatshepsut before you admire the ancient Colossi of Memnon statues that have survived since ancient times.
After your exploration, it’s time for your dahabiya Nile cruise journey to conclude, with a final disembarkation in Luxor. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories of this spectacular journey through the heart of ancient Egypt.
Meals Included:
• Breakfast
6 Days - Luxor / Aswan Every Saturday
Day 1 (Saturday)- Arrival Luxor
The magical experience of the Dahabiya Nile Cruise starts from Luxor while you enjoy spectacular views of the Nile River. Begin the Dahabiya Nile Cruise journey by having lunch while admiring breathtaking views of the impressive Nile River.
Moving forward, you should not miss visiting Luxor Temple alongside Karnak Temple, which are signature historical sites. The two ancient landmarks show visitors how great Egyptian civilization was through their remarkable architecture and notable artistic achievements.
As the evening sets in, delight in a luxurious dinner on board, followed by an overnight stay on the West Bank of Luxor, where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere of this ancient city.
Meals Included:
- Lunch on board
- Dinner on board
Day 2 (Sunday)- Tour To The West Bank& Sail To Esna
Your Dahabiya Nile Cruise welcomes you to start your morning with breakfast before taking you to visit the famous West Bank in Luxor, Egypt. You will find the Valley of the Kings Nile tour that contains Egypt's most important pharaohs' tombs buried deep within a historic network of burial chambers where you can see the tomb of Tutankhamun.
The next destination in your tour should be the Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt, which serves as a remarkable architectural display exemplifying New Kingdom magnificence. The final attraction should be the Luxor Colossi of Memnon, which welcomes Theban Necropolis visitors with its two monumental statues.
After a full morning of sightseeing, board your Dahabiya Nile Cruise once again and enjoy a leisurely lunch on board as you begin your sailing journey towards Esna Nile Cruise. Take time to relax with tea on the deck as the setting sun casts its golden glow over the Nile River.
You will sail towards Esna overnight while enjoying luxurious accommodations aboard your Dahabiya Nile Cruise and having a pleasant dinner on board in the evening.
Meals Included:
- Breakfast on board
- Lunch on board
- Dinner on board
Day 3 (Monday)- Dahabiya Sail To Al Ramady Island
After enjoying breakfast cooked on board and crossing the Esna Lock during your Nile cruise toward the legendary Temple of Edfu, the Temple of Edfu would be explored as a key attraction in Egypt. This perfectly preserved ancient building dedicated to Horus gives us an extraordinary view of the religious and architectural wonders of ancient Egypt.
Continue your journey with a scenic sail to Al Ramadi Island, where you can still relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Nile.
Then, in the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner on board followed by an exclusive Egyptian Rabab Show featuring traditional Nubian music and culture. Such a captivating experience will take you to the reality of Egypt's rich heritage.
Spend your evening at rest on your Dahabiya Nile Cruise while it anchors near El Ramady Island that surrounds you with the peaceful atmosphere of the Nile.
Meals Included:
- Breakfast on board
- Lunch on board
- Dinner on board
Day 4 (Tuesday)- Dahabiya Sail To Kom Ombo and Hor Diab Island
You will enjoy breakfast in a relaxed mood at the beginning of a morning cruise in your Dahabiya Nile Cruise while peacefully sailing toward the ancient site of Kom Ombo. Stepping down from the ship, you will take a tour of the beautiful temple of Kom Ombo, which is uniquely dedicated to two gods: Horus the falcon and Sobek the crocodile. This marvelous temple lies on the banks of the Nile and embodies the idea of Egypt's duality of divine power and protection.
Return to the boat and enjoy a delicious lunch on board as you cruise toward Hor Diab Island, a hidden gem along the river. Here, you'll have the rare opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Nile River—an unforgettable experience that blends relaxation with adventure.
As the day wanes, enjoy a tasty dinner on board as you continue your travel to Aswan. Bask in the tranquil views as the boat glides through the starry sky and ends with a peaceful overnight stay in Aswan.
Meals Included:
- Breakfast on board
Lunch on board
Dinner on board
Day 5 (Wednesday)- Dahabiya Sail To Aswan& Tour To Philae Temple And High Dam
Your breakfast at the beginning of the day while the Dahabiya boat quietly rests near Aswan. The Philae Temple is open for guided tours as you experience its history while standing on Agilkia Island where Isis receives worship. Your cultural exploration continues at the impressive High Dam which showcases a triumph of modern engineering skills.
After a delicious lunch on board, take an optional excursion to a Nubian Village, where you’ll connect with local traditions, colorful architecture, and the vibrant spirit of the Nubian people—a perfect blend of heritage and hospitality.
In the evening, unwind with a tranquil dinner on deck as the golden sunset reflects over the Nile, marking another beautiful chapter in your luxury small boat Nile cruise adventure.
Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Day 6 (Thursday)- Departure From Dahabiya
The day ends with a breakfast meal while the sun brightens the peaceful Nile waters. Early morning visitors can experience the rock-carved historical monument of Ramses II through an optional tour of the Abu Simbel Temple.
Following this unforgettable experience, return to the Dahabiya for check-out. Your luxury small boat Nile cruise comes to a graceful close in Aswan, leaving you with timeless memories from this immersive Dahabiya Nile Cruise journey.
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Prices:
Winter Rates (Sep- April)
Prices
Summer Rates (May- August)
Prices
Notes:
Merit Star Dahabiya Prices
Our tour rates are in US dollars per person per trip. You can also pay in Euro or GBP. Prices might vary during Christmas, New Year, and Easter Nile Cruise Vacations. We aim to provide the best rates and maintain their accuracy. Once you confirm Merit Star Dahabiya, our rates remain fixed and may not change.
Merit Star Dahabiya Children Policy
0 - 01.99 Free of Charge
2 - 5.99 pay 25% of tour price
6 - 11.99 pay 50% of tour price
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person
If your tour package includes airfare, extra charges for your children may be applied.
Merit Star Dahabiya Payment Policy
To secure your desired program and ensure availability, we recommend making reservations as early as possible. A deposit of 25% of the total amount is required to secure your booking, except during the Christmas and New Year holidays when a deposit of 50% is necessary. This deposit will be deducted from your final payment. The remaining balance can be settled up to one week before your arrival date or in cash upon your arrival.
Additional Entry Tickets For Merit Star Dahabiya
Please note that the Merit Star Dahabiya doesn't include entrance fees to the special archaeological sites, such as entering the interior of the Tomb of Tutankhamun at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Separate fees apply for these attractions.
Cancellation Policy For Merit Star Dahabiya
• Cancellations made from the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date will incur a 10% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 60 and 31 days before your arrival date will incur a 20% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 30 and 15 days before your arrival date will incur a 50% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 14 and 1 day before your arrival date will incur a 100% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
Furthermore, please note that cancellation fees may also apply to domestic flights within Egypt according to the airline's specific cancellation policy.
