Nuun and Nuut Dahabiyas

The Soul of Egypt

There is an older, slower, more beautiful way to travel the Nile. Before motor cruisers, before schedules, before crowds — there were dahabiyas. Traditional wooden sailing vessels that carried 19th century explorers and aristocrats up the river under full canvas, stopping wherever the wind and curiosity took them. The Nuun and Nuut are that experience, rebuilt for today. Twin sister dahabiyas operated by Ashranda, Nuun and Nuut are among the most luxurious traditional sailing vessels on the Nile. Each carries a maximum of 12 guests across 6 cabins and 2 private-terrace suites — small enough that the crew knows your name by the end of Day 1, and quiet enough that you can hear the water moving under the hull at night. The routes they sail pass sites no motor cruise ship stops at: sandstone quarry temples, island anchorages, and stretches of the river where the only thing on the banks is sugar cane and silence.   What to Expect Vessel type: Traditional wooden dahabiya — wind-powered sailing, not a motor cruise ship Capacity: Maximum 12 guests across 6 cabins and 2 private-terrace suites Guide: English-speaking Egyptologist on every excursion Meals: Full board throughout — all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners plus tea and coffee Inclusions: All entrance fees, all ground transfers, soft drinks in minibar Routes: 4-day Aswan to Luxor / 5-day Luxor to Aswan / 8-day Luxor to Luxor Departures: Selected dates — contact Memphis Tours to confirm availability   On Board Cabins & Suites: 6 cabins with twin or large beds, 2 suites with private terrace. All cabins feature large panoramic windows with Nile views, in-room private safe, modern duvets, hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. Common Areas: Elegant dining room and lounge, sun deck with chaise-longue chairs, Arabic seating area, soft drinks in the minibar. Services: Free Wi-Fi throughout, electronic fire and smoke detection, wireless internet in rooms, accompanying motorboat for calm-wind days.   Frequently Asked Questions   What makes a dahabiya different from a regular Nile cruise?  A dahabiya is a traditional wooden sailing vessel — the original way to travel the Nile before motorized cruise ships existed. Where large cruise ships carry 60 to 160 passengers and follow fixed schedules, the Nuun and Nuut carry a maximum of 12 guests each and sail at a pace that allows you to stop at islands, quarry temples, and anchorages that larger vessels simply cannot reach. It is a fundamentally different experience — slower, quieter, and considerably more personal.   What sites do you visit on the Nuun and Nuut dahabiyas?  Depending on your chosen itinerary, sites include Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Gebel el Silsila and the sandstone quarries, El Kab village and rock-cut tombs, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Philae Temple. The 5-day and 8-day routes include stops at island anchorages like Beshir Island, Fawaza Island, and Sheikh Rehan Island that are exclusive to dahabiya travel.   How many guests are on each dahabiya?  Each vessel carries a maximum of 12 guests. Nuun and Nuut are twin dahabiyas — identical in layout and specification — so if your group is larger, both can sail together on the same route.   What is included in the price?  Full board meals including tea and coffee with every meal, all temple and site entrance fees, an English-speaking Egyptologist guide for excursions, all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, and soft drinks in your cabin minibar. Tips and personal extras are not included.   Is a dahabiya suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?  Yes — but it suits a particular kind of traveler. If you want to cover as many temples as possible in the shortest time, a motor cruise ship is faster. If you want to actually feel the Nile — to sail on it, sleep on it, and see the Egypt that exists between the famous sites — a dahabiya is the right choice. Many guests who have already done a standard cruise choose a dahabiya for their second trip.   What is the best time of year to sail?  October through April offers the coolest temperatures and the most consistent winds for sailing. May through August is hotter but the river is quieter. The dahabiyas sail year-round on selected departure dates.   How do I secure my cabin?  A deposit of 50% secures your cabin and all included services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days before arrival or in cash on arrival.   Ready to sail the old way? Send us your travel dates and group size and we'll confirm availability. → Get Your Free Quote