Nile Cruising has become more popular in recent times. Whether its adventure, history or comfort you are looking for, why not cruise down the nile in style on a luxury dahabiyyas.

The Zahra, Nesma and Amber

These exclusive traditional ‘dahabiyyas’ are outfitted in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches. Maximum capacity is twelve passengers.  The interiors boast period furnishing and each cabin has its own individual decoration. The communal lounge covers the width of the boats and is a lovely setting for serving meals. Both the public area and cabins are fully air-conditioned. From the front of the boats, two staircases lead to the top deck which is partly shaded. Here, guests can sunbathe or just enjoy the view from comfortable rattan deck chairs, or in oriental seating areas of colourful cushions and carpets. Meals will be served on the deck, a great place for stargazing at night. The onboard chef will prepare a wholesome and appetising regional cuisine, while barbecues and picnics are sometimes organised on the riverbanks and islands in the Nile. Your meals (starting with lunch at embarkation and ending with breakfast at disembarkation) are all inclusive, along with tea, coffee and soft drinks, as well as a daily afternoon tea. Local wines and beers are included in the price.

Common during the formative years of the 19th century, dahabiyyas were the sailboats of choice for the aristocracy and socialites of Europe’s elite, providing elegant comfort for them and their servants as they visited the rich treasures of the ancient Pharaohs. Beautifully crafted and serenely stylish they were the perfect way to negotiate the gentle waters of the Nile, and Bales have a fleet of three of these majestic sailing vessels, offering an experience of the Nile Valley unlike any other. Recreating the genteel charm and grace of colonial grandeur, these enchanting boats offer a beguiling ambience and intimacy that is sometime lacking in the larger cruise ships. Utilising private moorings by remote islands along the river, they offer a respite away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist boats, perfectly complimenting the timeless beauty of the setting, whilst still affording accessibility to the vibrant heart of its riverside communities. Small enough to negotiate the shallow waters they can provide exclusive access to quiet corners of the Valley, untouched by the other boats, where private lunches and delicious barbeques, create an atmosphere of peaceful relaxation and intimacy.
If you are looking to visit Egypt and take a cruise of the Nile, the dahabiyyas are an experience not to be missed. Offering you everything you could imagine on a luxury cruise with a difference.