Nawara Dahabiya Nile Cruise
A sailing dahabiya on the Nile. Twelve river-facing cabins, a heated pool and a slow drift between Luxor and Aswan.
Nawara Under Sail
Double occupancy in a Deluxe Cabin. Suites, single supplement and season on request.
The details
A traditional Nile sailing boat with real cabins.
Two lateen sails do most of the work. The engine waits for windless days.
12 cabins. Up to 24 guests. 18 crew.
60 m long, 9 m wide, three decks. Built in 2024.
Sails between Luxor and Aswan.
Route and stops
- Karnak and Luxor Temple
- Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon
- Esna Lock
- Edfu — Temple of Horus
- Bisaw — a village walk through the farms
- Gebel Silsila
- Kom Ombo — the temple of Sobek and Horus
- Heir Diab Island — swim from a sandy beach
- Philae Temple and the High Dam
Exact stops and their order depend on your dates, direction and the river. Ask us for the plan.
A day on board
- Early — breakfast on the sundeck while under sail
- Morning — a temple, or a walk through a village
- Lunch — on board. Join the chef in the kitchen and help cook it
- Afternoon — sail on, or stop at an island for a swim
- Evening — dinner on board, then a folkloric show or a galabeya party with a Nubian show
On board
- Heated pool with sunbeds
- Sundeck bar and outdoor dining
- Indoor restaurant, à la carte or family-style
- Indoor lounge with river views
- Mini gym and an open-air yoga deck, with mats
Getting there
Fly into Luxor (LXR) or Aswan (ASW), depending on which way you sail.
Boreas arranges transfers from the airport, train station or hotel at both ends.
Most nationalities apply for an Egyptian e-visa online. We can help.
What to bring
- Hat and sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes for temples and village walks
- Modest clothing for temples and villages
- Swimwear for the pool and the island stop
- A camera
Why Nawara.
18 crew for 24 guests at most.
The sails do most of the work. The engine waits for windless days.
A panoramic window on the river in every Deluxe Cabin and suite.
A heated pool, a mini gym and an open-air yoga deck, on a traditional boat.
New to dahabiyas? Read our guide to dahabiya Nile cruises, or see why it is the most unique way to see the Nile.
Sailing Days.
Ask us for the next dates and which way each sailing runs. Travelling with a group and need other dates? Ask us that too.
The Route.
Nawara sails between Luxor and Aswan. The great temples are on the route. So are quieter stops that a big ship skips.
Exact stops and their order depend on your dates, your direction and the river. Ask us for the plan for your sailing.
The Cabins.
Ten Deluxe Cabins and two Jacuzzi Suites, spread across three decks. Every one looks out on the Nile.
Deluxe Cabin
Jacuzzi Suite
Inside the Jacuzzi Suite
The marble bathroom holds a private jacuzzi beneath a panoramic Nile-view window, next to a separate dining area.
On Deck.
A traditional hull, with the comforts of a small resort.
Sundeck & pool
A heated pool overlooking the Nile, with sunbeds, a bar and space for outdoor dining.
Restaurant
An indoor restaurant serving à la carte and family-style meals, plus outdoor dining on deck.
Lounge
An indoor lounge with river views, for a drink or a game of chess.
Gym & yoga deck
A mini gym and an open-air yoga deck with mats, both looking onto the Nile.
Evenings And Excursions.
Who Nawara Is For.
A dahabiya is not for everyone. Here is a simple guide.
Not sure? Ask us. We will help you pick. You can also see all our Nile cruises.
Rates And Booking.
Two ways to sail: bring your own group, or join a shared sailing.
From $1,200 per person per night
Double occupancy in a Deluxe Cabin. Suites, single supplement and season on request. Send your dates and group size and we reply within 24 hours.
Travel with your own people. Tell us how many guests and when, and we quote the cabins or the whole vessel.
Request Group BookingTake a cabin on a sailing with other guests. Ask us for the next dates.
Join Shared SailingNawara is independently owned and operated. Boreas represents her. You book and travel through Boreas, and the vessel’s own crew runs the cruise.
Good To Know.
Our three dahabiyas, and how they compare with a big ship.
Read the guide →Ship, felucca, dahabiya or balloon. What each one really is.
Read the guide →Our founder went aboard. Cabin by cabin, deck by deck.
Read the review →Two ways to experience Egypt, and how to combine them.
Read the guide →Questions About Nawara
What is Nawara?
Nawara is a sailing dahabiya on the Nile. She has 12 cabins and carries up to 24 guests, with 18 crew. She sails between Luxor and Aswan.
Does Nawara really sail?
Yes. Two lateen sails do most of the work. The engine is kept in reserve for days with no wind.
What cabins does Nawara have?
Ten Deluxe Cabins (22.8 m²) with a twin or double bed, and two Jacuzzi Suites (45.6 m²) with a large bed, a private dining area and a marble bathroom with a Nile-view jacuzzi. Every cabin looks out on the Nile.
What is there to do on board?
There is a heated pool with sunbeds, a sundeck bar, a mini gym, an open-air yoga deck and an indoor lounge. Guests can also enjoy a folkloric show, a galabeya party and Nubian show, a chef’s kitchen experience, a village walking tour and an island swim stop.
What days does Nawara sail?
Sunday to Thursday, and Thursday to Sunday. Ask us for the next available dates and which way each sailing runs.
Where does Nawara go?
Between Luxor and Aswan. The route can include Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, plus quieter stops such as a village walk at Bisaw and a swim at Heir Diab Island. Exact stops depend on your dates, direction and the river.
How much does Nawara cost?
From $1,200 per person per night, double occupancy in a Deluxe Cabin. Suites, single supplement and season on request. Send us your dates and group size and we reply within 24 hours.
Can I book with my own group or join other guests?
Both. You can request a group booking for several cabins or the whole vessel, or join a shared sailing. Ask us for the next dates.
Who runs the cruise?
Nawara is independently owned and operated. Boreas represents her. You book and travel through Boreas, and the vessel’s own crew runs the cruise.
Is a dahabiya better than a big cruise ship?
It is different, not better. A dahabiya is small, quiet and slow. A big ship has more space, more venues and usually a lower price. Boreas represents both and will tell you honestly which suits your trip.
Can I add a hotel stay or the Red Sea?
Yes. You can add hotel stays before or after the cruise, or pair the Nile with a Red Sea voyage aboard the Boreas superyacht. Ask us and we will build the combined trip.
Sail The Nile On Nawara.
Tell us your dates and how many guests. We reply within 24 hours.