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THE NILE IN A DAHABIYA: FOR DREAMERS AND SAILORS

A leisurely journey where time seems to stretch out and every moment unfolds naturally. It is not a cruise. It is a gentle journey through ancient landscapes and stories that still come alive.

A slow and quiet journey

Reconnect with yourself, amidst nature, history and the mysteries of Egypt.

Only 8 cabins

Intimacy and zero stress for a detox break from the chaos of modern life.

Friendly crew

A friendly crew who are always on hand, even when they’re off the boat. Let us spoil you!

Dahabiya ASILA

TAILOR-MADE TRIPS

Whether it’s a personal trip, a shared experience or a project for a group or a company, every detail comes together naturally. We can accompany you on a journey of discovery to the great temples and most iconic sites along the Nile, but we can also create more intimate moments, far from the beaten track. From flight planning to transport, from site entry tickets to local guides, right through to choosing themed experiences or the option of having the entire dahabiya to yourselves.

Asila will take you on a dreamlike journey

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FORGET THE TRADITIONAL CRUISE ON THE NILE

Forget the big ships, the crowded decks and the tightly scheduled itineraries. The dahabiya is intimate and peaceful, with just a few guests and uncluttered spaces. It moors in less accessible spots, offering a more authentic experience, far removed from the trappings of mass tourism.

The luxury of taking time out

Let go of the daily grind, the rush, and the routines that fill your days. Take some time for yourself, without having to justify it. A space where you can slow down, breathe, and rediscover a more authentic sense of self, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The privacy of 8 cabins

A smaller number that completely transforms the experience: no crowds, no queues, no sense of being lost in the crowd. Instead of hundreds of passengers, there are just a few guests, spacious surroundings and an intimate atmosphere, where everyone feels at home.

a family of NAVIGATORS

A team that makes all the difference

The Hassane family has been sailing the Nile for generations, preserving a knowledge that cannot be learnt, but is passed down through living on the river day in, day out. At the helm of the dahabiya are three brothers, united by their experience, sensitivity and a deep connection to these waters.

Badawy:

Calm and deep, it knows every bend in the river.

Moussa:

A storyteller, he turns every day into a story.

Sayed:

intriguing, revealing hidden and unexpected glimpses.

Each person brings their own way of recounting the journey, blending knowledge, attentiveness and intuition. Alongside them is a close-knit and attentive crew, who welcome guests with simplicity and care, making every moment feel effortless. It is not merely a service: it is genuine hospitality, built on relationships, gestures and a warm presence.

DAHABIYA ASILA

Cuisine and chefs

On board, the cuisine is part of the journey. Authentic Egyptian dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients, offer a simple and convivial taste of the region.

Health and safety

The facilities are meticulously maintained every day. Filtered water and tidy surroundings ensure peace of mind, without disrupting the atmosphere of the journey.

Sustainability

Sailing and motorboating reduce the impact on the environment. You travel in an environmentally friendly way, without disruptive noise, in harmony with the natural surroundings of the Nile.

Digital detox

Away from connections and notifications, you’ll find a more authentic space. For those who still wish to stay connected, the SIM service is available.

Rooms and suites

Cosy cabins measuring 11 square metres plus bathroom, accommodating two people. Simple yet tastefully appointed spaces, designed to offer comfort without excess. And for the most discerning guests, there are more spacious suites with panoramic views, measuring 21 square metres and featuring a private 6-square-metre balcony plus bathroom.

Privacy e comfort

With few guests on board, you can enjoy the spaces at your leisure. The crew are attentive and discreet, striking a natural balance between privacy and socialising.

a journey between DREAM and HISTORY

LUXOR AND ASWAN: A SLOW, EMOTIONAL JOURNEY

Luxor and Aswan mark the two ends of a journey that begins and ends along the Nile. The journey starts in Luxor, amidst majestic temples and ancient ruins, before following the river past villages, quiet banks and hidden sites. Onwards to Aswan, where the landscape opens up and everything seems to slow down, before heading back.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN PACE

Every journey along the Nile unfolds gradually, like the changing light on the banks at sunset. Some choose a shorter trip, others wish to stay longer and let the landscape wash over them, whilst others prefer to create a shared experience. Three ways to set off, one feeling: letting go.

Luxor Aswan

5-day, 4-night trip on a Dahabiya

An essential journey along the Nile, from Luxor to Aswan. Iconic temples, villages and stops along the river alternate in a well-balanced rhythm. A comprehensive yet focused experience, ideal for getting to know the area and letting yourself be guided at a leisurely pace.

8-day, 7-night trip on a Dahabiya

A more extensive itinerary, from Luxor to Luxor, allowing you to explore the journey in greater depth. The stops are extended, less-visited places are included, and time becomes part of the experience. A more immersive way to experience the Nile, combining discovery and tranquillity.

Themed cruises on a Dahabiya

The dahabiya becomes a shared space built around a central theme. These trips are tailored for groups, companies or communities, offering a range of holistic, creative or cultural experiences. Every detail is decided together, to create an experience that truly resonates with those taking part.

5-day, 4-night trip on a Dahabiya

An essential journey along the Nile, from Luxor to Aswan. Iconic temples, villages and stops along the river alternate in a well-balanced rhythm. A comprehensive yet focused experience, ideal for getting to know the area and letting yourself be guided at a leisurely pace.

8-day, 7-night trip on a Dahabiya

A more extensive itinerary, from Luxor to Luxor, allowing you to explore the journey in greater depth. The stops are extended, less-visited places are included, and time becomes part of the experience. A more immersive way to experience the Nile, combining discovery and tranquillity.

Themed cruises on a Dahabiya

The dahabiya becomes a shared space built around a central theme. These trips are tailored for groups, companies or communities, offering a range of holistic, creative or cultural experiences. Every detail is decided together, to create an experience that truly resonates with those taking part.

ASILA ALL FOR YOU

Experiencing Asila exclusively means completely changing your perspective. The boat becomes a private, fluid space, designed around those who are on board. You don’t have to adapt to a journey: it is the journey that adapts to you, to your pace, to your intentions, and to the way you wish to spend time together. Sharing the entire dahabiya also allows you to make the most of the experience, combining exclusivity and value in a way that is more accessible when enjoyed together.

Business travel, roadshows and team-building events

A different setting, far removed from formal environments and the usual routines, where time slows down and makes way for more authentic relationships. The dahabiya becomes a natural setting for meetings, discussions and sharing, free from interruptions and distractions. Here, ideas emerge more clearly, people truly listen to one another, and work takes on a more human and profound dimension.

Group and community

A journey that takes shape around a shared vision, whether it be wellbeing, creativity or self-discovery. The dahabiya becomes a shared space where every activity blends naturally with its surroundings. Each day is shaped together, with a mix of guided activities and free time, creating a spontaneous balance between experience and connection.

Family and friends

Time together, free from outside distractions. The dahabiya offers a space where you can rediscover a simpler, more natural way of life, filled with shared moments, freedom and a sense of light-heartedness. You can choose how to spend each day, alternating between exploration and relaxation, without having to adapt to other people’s schedules.

Intimate getaways for a select few

A journey designed for two or a small group, where every detail helps to create an intimate and personal atmosphere. Whether it’s a honeymoon, an anniversary or a special occasion, the dahabiya becomes a private retreat where time stands still, leaving room for what truly matters.

YOU ARE IN THE EXPERIENCED HANDS OF THOSE WHO TRAVEL

This project was conceived by people who have truly experienced travel – not just its beauty, but also its complexities, and the little details that make the difference between an ordinary experience and one that stays with you. Your trip is organised by seasoned travellers, accustomed to getting out and about, observing and adapting. That is why they support each person in crafting their own journey, with care, attentiveness and awareness.

Sheila La Manna

I have always been passionate about travel and the traditions of different countries; I help people discover the world through experiences where every detail has been carefully considered.

I’ve been working in tourism for at least 15 years; organising and welcoming people are second nature to me.

You experience every journey three times: when you dream of it, when you live it, and when you remember it.
(Anonymous)

Sabina De Rosso

For me, travelling is a living experience; every journey brings with it special moments.
Every journey becomes an opportunity for discovery, sharing and unforgettable emotions.

I organise group trips with passion and care, because I believe that every trip can become a special memory.


Life is a journey, and those who travel live twice.
(Omar Khayyâm)

The soul of the Nile, italian heart

A bespoke service with dedicated support

We can assist you with the arrangements before and after your trip, incorporating services and details that make the experience smoother and more comprehensive. From transport to sightseeing, from extra stops to little touches, everything is designed to allow you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind, without having to worry about a thing.

Booking flights and transfers

We manage flights and transfers, ensuring a seamless journey from arrival to departure, without any interruptions or logistical complications.

Accommodation before and after the cruise

We can arrange your accommodation before and after the cruise, choosing accommodation that suits the style of your trip. Or you can switch things up by staying in holiday villages and holiday apartments.

Organisation of guided tours

We organise tours and guided visits to the main attractions, selecting knowledgeable guides to make every experience more engaging.

Entrance fees and guides not included in the itinerary

We can arrange additional tours with qualified guides to explore places and stories in greater depth, going beyond the standard itinerary.

Insurance and organisational support

We’ll help you sort out your insurance and practical arrangements, so you can set off with greater peace of mind and the assurance of constant support.

Food requests

We take every dietary requirement seriously. We liaise with the cabin crew to ensure a pleasant experience that suits everyone.

SIM card for local connectivity

We can provide you with a local SIM card so you can stay connected whenever you need to, without having to worry about network coverage. A simple solution for managing your communications and getting around independently.

Exclusive dahabiya booking

We arrange complete management of the dahabiya exclusively for you, coordinating every detail to offer a seamless experience aligned with your group or project.

Customized Itineraries

We build the journey together, adapting stops, timing, and experiences. Each itinerary takes shape around your needs, without rigid frameworks.

We Answer Your Questions

FAQs

Here is a selection of the most frequently asked questions we receive to clarify doubts and curiosities related to Nile Dahabiya travel.

How much does a Dahabiya journey cost?

The cost of the journey varies based on the cabin selected, the season, and
the duration of the cruise.
Rates start from €1,250 up to €2,240 per person.

The rate includes:

  • welcome and assistance upon arrival at the embarkation point
  • boarding on the Dahabiya
  • Nile cruise
  • all meals on board
  • assistance during the journey
  • disembarkation and final assistance

During the Dahabiya journey, it is possible to remain connected through the purchase of local SIM cards. These SIM cards can be provided directly by us or purchased locally at shops.

Certainly, there is no obligation to disembark during stops, but you would miss part of the immersive experience in wonderful places marked by history and mystery.

Relaxation enthusiasts may remain on the Dahabiya as long as they wish.

Excursions are designed to make the journey an unforgettable experience, yet they are not mandatory.

You may freely decide which organized excursions to join at each stop. Alternatively, you may explore independently.

The Dahabiya journey on the Nile is just one of the ways we propose to experience these ancient and wonderful places.

If you wish to stay at hotels, resorts, or experience something different, contact us and we will be at your disposal to customize your journey.

Unlike modern vessels, the Dahabiya is not suitable for persons with mobility difficulties such as crutches or wheelchairs.

The structure of this traditional vessel is not designed to guarantee the safety, space, and accessibility standards for boarding and interior environments.

If you have these needs, contact us for consultation; we will recommend an alternative based on your requirements.

Choose an experience and submit your request

The journey begins with the first step. Choose one of the options and submit your enquiry – your journey starts here.

LUXOR

Ancient Thebes, the eternal soul of Pharaonic Egypt, Luxor is an open-air museum where every stone tells a story stretching back thousands of years. Amidst the majestic rows of the Avenue of the Sphinxes, the past still seems to breathe, enveloping visitors in a timeless atmosphere.

On the east bank of the Nile, the sun bathes the magnificent Temple of Luxor and the imposing Karnak complex in light, where gigantic columns and hieroglyphs recount the worship of the gods Amun, Mut and Khonsu, in a sacred harmony that spans the centuries.

Then, crossing the river, one enters a realm of silence and mystery: the western bank, a land consecrated to eternity. Here, amidst the desert-gilded mountains, lies the legendary Valley of the Kings, guardian of secrets, treasures and tombs that still bear witness to the immortality of the pharaohs.

Luxor is not just a place to visit, but a journey into the very heart of history.

ESNA

In the quiet heart of Esna, where the Nile flows as slowly as an ancient thought, the Temple of Esna lies beneath the modern city, as if it were a memory cherished by the earth.

Its columns, twenty-four stone giants, rise up like a sacred grove.

Light filters down from above and caresses the reliefs, bringing the colours to life: deep blues, warm reds, and gold that still whispers the names of the gods.

El hagz island

Away from the main tourist routes, it offers a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, surrounded by nature.

Set amongst palm groves, cultivated fields and small local villages, the island is the ideal place to experience the simpler, more authentic side of Egypt. Here, time seems to slow down, amidst the sound of the water, the traditional boats and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Perfect for those seeking peace and a taste of everyday life along the Nile, El Hagz Island offers an intimate and relaxing experience.

Edfu_Temple of Horus

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples of ancient Egypt and is dedicated to the falcon god Horus. It is located in the town of Edfu, on the west bank of the Nile, between Luxor and Aswan, and will be our third stop.

The temple was the centre of worship of Horus, god of the sky and symbol of divine kingship. The rituals performed here commemorated Horus’s victory over Seth, the god of chaos, a central myth in Egyptian religion.

Every year, an important festival known as the ‘Festival of the Beautiful Union’ was held, during which the statue of Horus was brought together with that of the goddess Hathor, which had been brought from Dendera.

Gebel el Silsila

Where the Nile narrows between the golden cliffs, Gebel el-Silsila rises up, the sandstone heart of the ancient kingdom.

From here arose temples and colossal statues, such as the majestic Colossi of Memnon, hewn from the mountain and consigned to eternity.

In the silence of the stone, the sound of chisels, prayers and the name of Amenhotep III still echo, under the gaze of Amun.

Kom Ombo Temple

On the banks of the Nile, in the picturesque town of Kom Ombo, stands a temple unlike any other, where mystery and symmetry come together. The Temple of Kom Ombo welcomes visitors with its perfectly symmetrical layout, as if reflecting a world divided in two: on one side stands the mighty Sobek, lord of the waters and fertility; on the other, Horus the Elder, the falcon god of the sky and kingship.

As you stroll amongst its sunlit columns, you feel as though you have stepped into a place untouched by time, where every wall tells ancient stories: engravings depicting medical instruments, sacred rituals and scenes from everyday life that reveal a surprising level of scientific knowledge.

Here, the silence of the desert blends with the allure of the Nile, whilst the temple continues to preserve the memory of ancient cults, including that of the sacred crocodiles, a symbol of Sobek’s power.

Visiting Kom Ombo is not just about exploring an archaeological site, but about enjoying a captivating experience where history, myth and the landscape come together to create a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

Aswan

Aswan is one of Egypt’s most fascinating cities, where the desert meets tranquil waters and timeless landscapes. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, lush green islands and spectacular sunsets, it is the ideal base from which to explore wonders such as the island of Philae and the Nubian temples.

With its ancient culture and breathtaking views, Aswan offers an authentic and enchanting experience, far removed from the hectic pace of big cities.